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Shore excursions: What new cruisers need to know

The fun of a cruise is equal parts what you do on board and what you do on shore. Cruise lines offer a full schedule of shore excursions to help you make the most of your time in port. However, the process of choosing and booking tours can be overwhelming for new cruisers.

I've taken shore excursions around the world, both ship-run and independent, and spent many days in port wandering on my own. Allow me to take you through the basics of cruise shore excursions, so you can learn to have the most fun no matter what your budget is.

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What is a cruise shore excursion?

A shore excursion is a group tour or activity aimed at cruise travelers who can only spend a limited time in each port they're visiting on their itinerary.

A shore excursion could be a sightseeing bus tour, a guided visit to a museum or historic site, an athletic activity (like a hike, bike ride or snorkel outing), a day at the beach or a cooking or dance class. Shore excursions typically highlight the marquee attractions or culture of the destination you're visiting. Sometimes an excursion will take you to sites within walking distance of your cruise; on other occasions, they might take you on a day trip to a nearby city.

Some shore excursions are targeted at families or can easily accommodate children. Some can accommodate passengers with mobility issues or other disabilities . Others may require a minimum level of fitness and are not suitable for everyone.

Shore excursions may be sold by your cruise line and organized with a partner provider. They can also be purchased through independent operators or third-party tour sellers.

Do you have to buy shore excursions on a cruise?

In most cases, you don't need to book a shore excursion to explore a port of call. You can simply walk off the ship and stroll into town or catch a cab to take you wherever you want to go.

However, in some destinations, a shore excursion, or independently operated guided tour, is highly encouraged. This could be in places where it's difficult to navigate as a foreigner who can't speak the language or understand street signs or where the tourism infrastructure is not yet fully developed.

Can I book a shore excursion on my own instead of through my cruise line?

Yes. I use many factors to decide whether to take a ship's tour, book an independent excursion or explore on my own in port. However, if you're a novice traveler, you might want to book ship tours exclusively because they're the simplest, easiest and most convenient options.

The benefits to a cruise line's shore excursions are that they depart from and return to the ship; you don't need to figure out where to meet a guide in a port you've never visited. Better still, should an unexpected problem (traffic, a medical emergency) occur during your outing, the ship will not leave port until all of its own tours have returned.

Independent tours, on the other hand, can be cheaper than cruise ship tours. I once saved hundreds of dollars organizing a group to go on an overnight, independently operated excursion to see Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza from Port Said, Egypt; the ship's tours were incredibly marked up. Also, if you have a particular interest, the ship might not offer a tour for the activity or attraction you're excited about.

Related: Ship-sponsored vs. independent shore excursions on cruises: Which should you book?

Some third-party operators will customize a tour for you or your group, so you can spend more time at the places you most want to see. Sometimes these tour groups are also smaller than the large cruise ship tours — which can carry 30 to 60 people in a bus — so you will spend less time waiting for everyone.

Finally, some ports are simply wonderful to walk around, popping into shops and local restaurants or bars, going where you will. I've skipped tours in places like Key West, Florida; Tallinn, Estonia; Monaco; Nassau, Bahamas; Skagway, Alaska; Geiranger, Norway; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. A map and a guidebook got me where I wanted to go.

How much are shore excursions on a cruise?

Cruise shore excursion prices vary widely depending on the cost of living in the cruise destination, what type of activity is involved and whether it's a full- or half-day tour. Young children often pay a reduced rate for tours.

Looking at Princess Cruises ' shore excursions in Grand Cayman, a 2.5-hour stingray swim costs $70 per person, a 5-hour scenic island drive costs $100, and a 4-hour, two-tank scuba dive costs $180. In Juneau, Alaska, a 3-hour tour to the Mendenhall Glacier visitor center costs $50 per person. A 3-hour gold panning activity and salmon bake costs $125, while a 2.25-hour tour to take a helicopter ride to the top of the glacier, where you can walk around on the ice for half an hour, costs $420.

Some cruise lines, such as Viking and Regent Seven Seas Cruises , include the cost of basic shore excursions in their cruise fares. If you don't care to do any specialty tours, you might be able to get all your port activities for free. Other lines, such as Norwegian Cruise Line , offer discounted tours or shore excursion credit as booking promotions .

Related: 8 tips for booking the best cruise shore excursion for your money

What's the best way to book shore excursions?

If you plan to book shore excursions through your cruise line, you have a couple of options of how to book them.

You can book your tours online in advance, or have your travel agent do it for you. This is the best route if there's a ship's tour you absolutely want to take and you don't want to risk its selling out. Book your tours the minute they open for reservations. When my parents traveled on a luxury Regent Seven Seas cruise, they said that waiting until the next morning to book tours meant that some of their choices were sold out.

The downside to booking tours in advance is that some cruise lines require that you pay for the tours in full, rather than putting them on your final cruise bill. It means you're out the money in advance and it can be difficult to use onboard credit to cover the cost of excursions booked online.

Related: Avoid these mistakes when booking cruise shore excursions

Alternatively, you can wait until you're on the ship and book your excursion in person at the shore excursions desk. You'll be able to ask the staff questions about the tours, and the charges will be added to your final cruise bill. However, you do run the risk that a popular tour might be sold out by the time you're ready to book.

The same is true with independent tours. Most people organize these ahead of time through a tour operator or travel agent. However, in popular cruise ports, there are often representatives waiting at the port or at a tourist office who can book you on same-day tours if space is available.

Is it cheaper to book shore excursions on the ship?

No. Most cruise lines either charge the same prices for shore excursions booked online and on board or offer a discount for tours purchased in advance. For example, Royal Caribbean often advertises up to 30% off select tours reserved ahead of the sailing.

Do I need to tip on shore excursions?

Whether you're on a cruise line sponsored or independent shore excursion, a best practice is to tip your tour guides at the end of the tour. Exceptions are if tips are included in the price or if you're visiting a country with a non-tipping culture, where offering cash would be awkward.

Related: Ultimate guide to tipping on cruise ships

Tipping is a personal matter, and there are no hard and fast rules. I canvassed TPG's cruise team and we agreed that we give roughly $5 to $10 per person for half-day tours and $10 to $20 per person for full-day excursions, adjusted for service and quality. Tip non-guide drivers roughly $2 per person in your party.

You'll likely want to tip more for customized, private tours — consider 5 to 20% of the cost of the tour.

How do I get the most from my cruise shore excursion?

The key to getting the most from your cruise shore excursion is to know what you want and make sure the tour description matches your expectations. I find that the more I cruise, the less I take ship-sponsored shore excursions because they don't offer exactly what I want.

For example, if you're considering a bus tour, make sure you understand how much time will be spent sitting on the bus and how much time will be at the destination or attraction, whether you will be looking at or going inside key attractions and whether there's free time to explore. If it's an activity, like snorkeling or a helicopter tour, read up on how much time is spent in transit and prep and how much time you will spend actually doing the activity.

Be sure to note the fitness level required and don't try to take on more than you're able to do. If you struggle with mobility, check to see if there's a lot of walking on uneven ground like cobblestones.

Related: 11 cruise ship excursions to avoid

If the tour takes place over lunchtime, check to see if a meal is included or if you have time to pick up something to eat.

Personally, I find that organized tours are best when the excursion is an activity I can't do on my own (such as kayaking, zip lining or a winery tour); when long distances are involved where I don't want to bother with public transportation or renting a car on a one-day visit; or when the culture is foreign enough that independent exploration would be tricky. Sometimes you also need an expert guide, such as in Pompeii, to know what you're seeing.

Bottom line

Shore excursions are a great way to make the most of your time in port, but you might get the most value out of a mix of guided tours and independent exploration. Choose the best option based on your budget and interests, and remember to look at both ship-sponsored and independent tour and activity options. And if you feel like staying on board one day while your ship is docked in a port that doesn't interest you, that's okay, too.

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Shore Excursions Group

4,500 Excursions in Over 300 Ports Worldwide

Enjoy hand-picked tours and activities in popular destinations from Shore Excursions Group. Choose your excursion size, browse special deals, and explore multi-port packages. Shore Excursions Group leverages its expertise to offer you high-quality, worldwide cruise excursions and a best-price guarantee. Excursions are hosted by local experts for a more personalized experience.

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Top Rated Excursions on Western Caribbean Cruise Itineraries

The allure of the Western Caribbean lies in its lush jungles and crystal clear waters, leaving you with a lingering sense of wanderlust. From snorkeling in Stingray City and exploring ancient Mayan jungle ruins to learning to create the perfect salsa, this sunny region adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico and Central America never ceases to quench your thirst for adventure.

Introduction

Set sail on an extraordinary journey to the Western Caribbean , where enchanting destinations await, each offering a unique blend of natural wonders and cultural treasures. Dive into the crystalline depths of Grand Cayman’s underwater paradise, where vibrant coral reefs and marine life greet you. Feel the rush of adrenaline in Jamaica as you navigate thrilling rapids, immersing yourself in the heart of this island’s lush, tropical landscapes. Discover the richness of Cozumel, where the colorful culture is as enticing as the tantalizing array of local cuisine. Finally, step back in time amidst the ancient Mayan ruins of Belize, where history comes alive. The Western Caribbean beckons with a multitude of experiences that will linger long after your journey ends.

Why the Western Caribbean?

Unparalleled adventure and cultural richness are yours in the Western Caribbean, where each port of call promises a unique and unforgettable experience.

From the vibrant and lively streets of Cozumel, Mexico, with its mouthwatering street food, to the lush and breathtaking landscapes of Jamaica, where reggae rhythms fill the air and waterfalls cascade through tropical jungles, this region offers you a variety of experiences. Belize, with its remarkable ruins, provides you a window into the Mayan civilization. Grand Cayman entices with its upscale shopping and the opportunity to encounter stingrays in the crystal-clear waters of Stingray City. It’s no wonder the Western Caribbean is a perennial favorite among cruise-goers seeking an enriching and multifaceted vacation experience.

While anytime is a good time to cruise the Western Caribbean, the best months to visit are between December and April, when the weather is milder, cooler, and less humid. Keep in mind, the Caribbean is a popular holiday destination, making December the most expensive month to go.

When choosing a satisfying Western Caribbean shore excursion, look no further than Shore Excursions Group. We specialize in crafting memorable experiences, offering a myriad of options that cater to the enjoyment of children, seniors, and everyone in between. Whether your interests lie in city tours, historical sites, culinary delights, nature explorations, or more active pursuits, we’ve got something that will bring a smile to your face. We offer the best excursions at the best prices, and will have you back to your ship on time, every time. Guaranteed.

Top Western Caribbean Shore Excursions:

 Grand Cayman’s Underwater Wonders

Grand Cayman is a must-do for nature lovers, and its undersea world offers visitors a mesmerizing variety of marine life — making it a magnet for snorkelers and divers alike.

Stingray City is the island’s most popular attraction, and it’s easy to understand why when you venture into its crystal-clear waters full of Southern stingrays. Here, snorkeling takes on a magical quality as graceful stingrays glide effortlessly around you, creating an intimate and awe-inspiring interaction. Stand on one of the sandbars in the warm, waist-deep water, and pet one of these amazing animals as they take food from your hand.

Grand Cayman’s vibrant Barrier reef provides snorkelers with fun, twisting channels through the ancient coral that actually juts out of the water in some places. As such, the waters near the coral are very shallow, making it a perfect place for newbie and younger snorkelers to strengthen their snorkeling skills. Explore these living ecosystems, marveling at the intricate beauty of the coral formations while colorful Maori Wrasse, red throat emperors, coral trout, and more swim by.

Not to be missed are the large starfish that peer up at you from the shelf and ocean floor at Starfish Beach . These colorful sea stars add a bewitching ambience as you relax on the secluded beach.

Jamaica’s Adventure Extravaganza

Jamaica’s picturesque coastline is a perfect starting point to discovering the natural beauty and thrills that can be found all over this island.

Experience Jamaica by land and sea with an opportunity that gives you rare views of this incredible area from the saddle as well as a raft bench. Mount your horse for a ride through the lush Jamaican countryside to the beach, the rhythmic hoofbeats harmonizing with the soothing sounds of the waves. While at the beach, take turns riding bareback on the horses and joining them for a refreshing swim in the sea.

Next, board a raft for an adrenaline-pumping ride down Class 1 and Class 2 river rapids. You and your fellow explorers will paddle through the untamed water’s twists and turns, with a chance to stop for a quick swim in the deeper parts while admiring the vibrant flora surrounding you.

Looking for something a little more off-the-beaten-path? Explore Jamaica’s hidden underworld with a trip to the Green Grotto Caves . This large, underground labyrinth cave system has a busy past, first being used by the Arawak Indians, then as a hiding place for Spaniards, a refuge for runaway slaves and, more recently, for the storage of rum barrels by the government. Descend into the naturally-lit caves and feel the cool air on your skin as you admire the massive stalagmites, stalactites, and other limestone formations. Keep an eye out for the fruit bats!

Cozumel’s Cultural Delights

Cozumel isn’t just about the beaches; it also brims with cultural delights, from ancient ruins and sports to street fiestas and delicious food.

Here, you can join in on a unique hands-on salsa class that will have you crafting authentic Mexican salsa, and then dancing the Salsa! Dive into the island’s enticing flavors and techniques as you craft salsa under the guidance of skilled local chefs, using fresh ingredients and time-honored recipes. Sit down to savor the fruits of your labor over a delicious lunch, then it’s time to learn how to dance the salsa, letting loose and allowing your hips to sway to the infectious musical beat.  

Alternatively, you can visit a Mexican Lucha Libre , where professional luchadors (wrestlers) spar in this thrilling sport that combines high-flying acrobatic maneuvers with plenty of cultural symbolism. Get ready to root for your masked luchador while witnessing the heroic confrontations against the villains, creating a breathtaking theatrical performance that will keep you on the edge of your seat.   

Belize’s Mayan Roots

Belize is famous for its archaeological wonders, with the Mayan ruins of Altun-Ha and Xunantunich providing a rare glimpse into the history and culture of the ancient Mayan civilization in the region’s jungles.

Altun-Ha , a bustling Mayan trading center in 200 AD situated in the lush northern Belizean lowlands, captivates visitors with its impressive Temple of the Masonry Altars. Also known as the Temple of the Sun God, this soaring structure that once served as a sacred ceremonial site; climb up its steps and be rewarded with panoramic views of the grounds. This site also yielded the renowned Jade Head, a remarkable jadeite artifact depicting the Sun God, adding to Altun-Ha’s mystique.

Meanwhile, Xunantunich , located near the Guatemalan border, commands attention with its iconic El Castillo pyramid, offering sweeping views of the surrounding jungle. This archaeological gem was actually a multi-complex building that housed dwellings and served as a significant ceremonial and administrative center during the late Mayan Classic period around 900 AD. Take note of the intricate stucco friezes around its base and hieroglyphic inscriptions that showcase the Mayans’ advanced artistry and intelligence. 

Tips for Making the Most of Your Excursion  

Planning and packing are essential if you want a memorable and hassle-free cruise shore excursion. First and foremost, pack lightweight clothing and lots of layers to stay comfortable in the hot sunshine as well as the cooler indoor areas. Good sneakers or walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle are indispensable for exploring. A small backpack is convenient for carrying essentials like sunglasses, charging cords, a power bank for your phone, any necessary medications, and a camera to capture meaningful moments.

Check if your excursion includes meals; if not, bring along snacks to keep your energy levels up. A waterproof phone case or a protective bag will shield valuables during water-based activities. Keep important documents, such as identification and excursion tickets, safe in a waterproof pouch. While out and about, be mindful of local customs and guidelines to make the most of your experience while respecting the destination.

Maximize your onshore time by researching the destinations beforehand to identify must-see attractions and activities. Opt for guided tours or local experiences to gain deeper insights into the culture and history of the port of call. Consider the excursion’s duration and physical demands, and allow for some spontaneous exploration to uncover hidden gems or indulge in local cuisine. Lastly, embrace the opportunity to connect with fellow travelers and share recommendations.

Conclusion  

From the turquoise waters of Grand Cayman to the vibrant culture of Cozumel, each destination in the Western Caribbean offers a unique blend of natural beauty and rich history. The warmth of the people, the flavors of the cuisine, and the beauty of the scenic vistas collectively create an unforgettable experience, making a visit to these islands a truly exceptional and cherished escapade. Our team of travel specialists is ready to assist you in booking your Western Caribbean excursion today.

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Cruise Brothers Exclusive Shore Excursions

Thanks to our experience and industry partnerships, we offer exclusive cruise excursions through Cruise Brothers.  With guaranteed back to ship and prices below cruise line costs, its sure to be a hit.  Don't miss out on your next bucket list adventure. Check out our latest offerings below.

Family Friendly

Looking for a little adventure without being too strenuous?  Have an exhilarating experience driving through the tropical jungles of Cozumel, Mexico.

Dune Buggy Tour Cozumel

Sloth Sanctuary

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If you enjoy having unique and exciting experiences, visiting a Sloth Sanctuary

while in Roatan, Honduras is a must!

Speedboat Tour

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Swimming with Dolphins Tour

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Have you ever dreamed of swimming with dolphins?  It is a unique experience that will leave lasting memories for the whole family.

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How to find a cruise excursion you’ll actually enjoy

Ben Souza has had some unforgettable shore excursions. On a cruise from Singapore to Thailand , he and his wife visited an elephant sanctuary, a high point in their dozen years of cruising. On a Caribbean voyage, he booked a tranquil day at a Bahamas resort. The property turned out to be ratty, with a trash-filled pool and a mediocre beach.

Unlike the animal encounter in Phuket, he wishes he could wipe that outing from his memory.

“If I had been on my own private tour, I could have left and went to a better place to relax,” said Souza, the editor of Cruise Fever who has sailed on 75 ships with 18 cruise lines.

For passengers, the land is as important as the sea. Many travelers choose a voyage based on the ports. However, because shore time is limited, they must be savvy when planning their excursions.

The most convenient option is to sign up for an outing through the cruise ship. The cruise line makes the arrangements and vets the operators, which is especially important in destinations with safety concerns. Onboard credits apply to excursions. In the event of a cancellation or disruption, the cruise line will issue a refund. Most important, the captain will always wait for tour groups to return, even if they arrive past the scheduled departure time.

“Some guests value having the cruise line handle everything,” said Michael Consoli, who owns a travel agency that specializes in cruises. “So they just have to leave their house and come home.”

Booking an excursion with the cruise line comes with disadvantages. If the trip requires a minimum number of guests, the ship will cancel outings that do not meet its quota. Alternately, if too many people sign up, you may feel like a lost lamb in a flock. On a recent Royal Caribbean excursion in St. Kitts, we waited in a broiling parking lot while the guide tried to find us a spot on the packed tour bus. He finally plopped us down on a hard jump seat that blocked the exit.

Excursions organized by cruise lines can also feel like a highly touristy way to see a port destination. During our trip aboard the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise , shore excursions ranged from a $59-per-person beach day, including chair and umbrella reservations, to ethically questionable wildlife experiences like an “Up-Close Encounter” with dolphins.

The cost is also higher than booking with a third-party operator, because cruise lines place a premium on extras. Independent travelers can save 25 to 40 percent on tours they plan themselves, according to Souza. On a Hawaii cruise, he arranged an island adventure that was nearly identical to one offered by the ship, except for the price.

“We all ended up on the same river cruise together. The only difference was we took different buses to get there and everyone who booked through the cruise line paid double,” he said.

Organizing your own excursions has additional benefits, such as greater flexibility, smaller group size, a wider variety of activities and a more personalized experience.

“If you want a truly unique experience while traveling,” said Souza, who organized a side trip to Capri for an upcoming Princess cruise that stops in Naples, “sometimes you just have to do your own thing.”

For advice on planning shore excursions, we spoke with cruising experts and tapped into our own seafaring adventures. Here are our top tips.

1. Book excursions as early as possible

Cruise lines open up reservations weeks or months before the ship’s departure date. Consoli said excursions sell out on luxury cruises that offer free shore activities, such as Regent Seven Seas and Silver Sea. The limited spots also fill up on mega cruise ships with thousands of passengers, such as Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas .

“When you have a ship with 7,000 passengers, it’s going to be harder to get excursions,” he said.

If you change your mind, you can often cancel without penalty, depending on the ship.

You should also plan ahead if you are booking with a local outfitter. Tours and guides can be hard to come by on busy cruise days or during peak travel periods.

2. Stick with cruise lines on complicated outings

When deciding between a ship’s excursion and your own, consider the complexity of the outing. If the adventure involves several modes of transportation or long distances, signing up with the cruise line is the safer bet. On the other hand, if the excursion is close by and straightforward, you can easily make your own arrangements.

“If I was going to Cozumel and I wanted to do the pyramids or ruins on the mainland, I would book a tour through the cruise line because you’re leaving the island and you want to make sure you get back on time,” said Doug Parker, guest host of Cruise News Today . “But in Nassau, where I can see the ships from most places on the island, I would … do something on my own.”

In some countries that require tourist visas, only passengers who are touring with a licensed operator can disembark without the document. Souza discovered this arrangement on a Mediterranean cruise that stopped in Algeria and Tunisia. Consoli said China recently introduced similar restrictions.

3. Research tour options before the cruise

Part of the appeal of cruising is that the company oversees every detail. However, you should still read reviews of excursions posted on Cruise Critic , Tripadvisor or reputable cruise blogs to guide your decisions.

If you strike out on your own, carefully research the guides and operators in your destination, including the ones who solicit business inside the cruise terminal. Check their credentials and ask to see pertinent licenses.

Many cruisers use the same outfitters as landlubbers, such as Viator and Tours by Locals . Shore Excursions is also popular. You may also be able to find your own activities like cooking classes and food tours on Airbnb Experiences .

Parker said some excursions, such as hop-on/hop-off buses, are a set price, regardless of whether you book through the ship or the outfitter. However, if the purveyor has an online promotion, you might save a sliver of money.

If you book your cruise with a travel agency, the agent can also arrange private shore excursions. In addition to overseeing the planning, the adviser provides a safety net and can reschedule or cancel the tour on your behalf. Consoli said some planners, such as himself, do not charge for this service; they earn their commission through the cruise line and tour operators.

4. Look outside the terminal for better prices

Tour operators, rental agencies and taxi drivers hike up prices in cruise terminals. For lower rates, venture a short distance away from the disembarkation point.

If you take a cab to an attraction where taxis seem scarce, arrange a pickup time. Ilana Schattauer, who blogs at Life Well Cruised , recommends hiring the driver for the entire excursion.

“If I was doing something that was a little bit off the beaten path or if I wanted to go to a more secluded beach, I would have the driver stay with me,” she said. “Or I would book a tour where the tour guide and driver stay there.”

During our Margaritaville at Sea sailing, we used Google Maps to find a scooter rental company in Grand Bahama. Around 9 p.m. we called Bullseye Car Rental , a local agency with strong reviews. Despite the late time, owner Raymond Bowe answered on the second ring. He knew our cruise schedule, offered to pick us up and drop us off from port, and gave us clear instructions for where to find him when we docked. The total for the day’s rental: $49, including transfer and helmets — about half the cost of taking the cheapest shore excursion from the cruise line.

5. Ask locals what to do, eat and drink

If you haven’t planned your off-ship day down to the minute, talk to taxi drivers, shop keepers and other locals to get tips. Crew members, who are often familiar with the ports, also are great resources.

In Grand Bahama, Bowe was an invaluable source of intel for how to spend our day. We’d made no plans and instead took Bowe’s suggestions for beaches and restaurants.

That’s how we ended up at Bernie’s Tiki Hu t , where lunch for two — Bahama Mama cocktails and a fresh lobster tail fried on the spot — cost $35. We ate on the beach in front of the tiki shack, then swam in the sea before driving down to Terry’s Conch Salad Stand . Owner Terry Pratt showed us the process of breaking a live conch out of its shell and preparing it into a Bahamian ceviche. It was $11 for a bowl and far better than anything we ate on the ship.

6. Give yourself at least an hour for the return

If you have ever left an airport during a long layover, this rule will sound familiar: Don’t cut it close . Give yourself an hour or two before final boarding time.

“If the ship is sailing at 4, I try to be back at 3,” Parker said.

Schattauer reminds cruisers that in some destinations, such as Caribbean islands, the small roads can get congested, especially when passengers are returning to the ships around the same time. She said a few years ago, she rode a shuttle to Magens Bay on St. Thomas. The trip to the beach was a quick 15 to 20 minutes. The return took an hour longer. Because she gave herself a two-hour buffer, she arrived at the terminal before the ship sailed off.

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Tips for Booking Shore Excursions on Cruises

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Excursions such as swimming with dolphins, taking a catamaran snorkeling, visiting a national park in Alaska, horseback riding in the ocean, tours to experience the local culture, or a relaxing day at a beach resort can get expensive quickly.

While a few will stay on the ship in each port, most passengers are like me and enjoy visiting each port.  Let’s look at the three ways to book shore excursions so you can choose which one is best for you and your finances, without compromising quality and experience.

The most popular way to book shore excursions on your cruise is directly through the cruise line.  The cruise line will offer the most options and they are billed directly to your stateroom.  Most of the new ships allow you the ease of booking directly on your TV, it doesn’t get any easier than that.

Pros of booking directly through the cruise line:

• You can use onboard credit to pay for it.
• Your ship will wait for you if your tour is late getting back, guaranteed.
• A shore excursion desk is located on the ship so you can have any questions answered before or after booking.

Cons of booking directly through the cruise line:

• Prices are marked up so you will pay a higher price.
• Tours can often be extremely full and in large groups.
• Some excursions require a minimum amount of passengers or they will be canceled.
• They are not customizable like the smaller private tours.

The second way of booking excursions is through a private company such as Shore Excursions Group .  They offer over 3,000 excursions in over 300 ports around the globe and at much better prices than the cruise lines.  The groups are smaller and they pride themselves in offering higher quality excursions that all the major lines.

They also have 24/7 support and guarantee you that will you return to the ship on time.  If your tour is late getting back (to date, they never had a customer miss the ship), they will pay for all lodging, meals, and transportation to your next port so you can rejoin the ship, along with $500 cash to each person in the group.  Usually you can get the same excursion as the cruise line will offer for as much as 50% off.

Pros of booking with  Shore Excursions Group :

• Lower prices than the cruise lines.
• Higher quality excursions than the cruise lines.
• Smaller more personable tours.
• Money back guarantee.
• 24/7 support.
• Guaranteed return to the ship.

Cons of booking with  Shore Excursions Group :

• Fewer excursions offered than the cruise lines.

The third and final way to book shore excursions on your cruise is to book one in port after you get off the ship.  This is the cheapest way to book excursions and perfect for those that like to make decisions spur of the moment.  When you get off the ship, there will be many vendors and tour operators with signs offering everything from jet skis, snorkeling, diving, beach days, swimming with dolphins, island tours etc.

Pros to booking excursions in port:

• Lowest prices on excursions, don’t be afraid to barter on prices.
• Freedom to wait until the last minute to decide.

Cons on booking excursions in port:

• No guarantee getting back to the ship on time.  If your tour is late, you are straight out of luck.  However, this does not happen often.  They do everything in their power  to get you back with plenty of time to spare.
• Not all tour operators are licensed by the local government.
• The excursion you wanted to do may not offered by a local.

Which way is best for you?  Everyone is different so that all depends on what you are looking for.  If you are looking for a good price and the highest quality excursions, then  Shore Excursions Group  would probably be best for you.  If you like to decide at the last minute and are looking for the best possible deal, then booking your excursions in port would probably suit you best.

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It’s nice to know that there are three ways to book an excursion trip such as direct, a private company, and port. I’d love to take my family to one, but being so busy at the time, I’ll probably try out booking with a private company. Thanks for the sharing such great information!

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